CD Projekt Red has released updated PC system requirements for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's remaster, detailing the hardware necessary for its most graphically intensive feature: path tracing. Achieving the highest fidelity with path tracing at 4K resolution requires a powerful, near-future setup, including an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, coupled with an Intel Core i9 13900K or AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU.
To reach an estimated 60 frames per second at 4K with path tracing enabled, players will also need to utilize DLSS and frame generation. The specifics regarding the DLSS upscaling level and the type of frame generation employed have not been disclosed by CD Projekt Red. This suggests that performance may be more manageable at lower resolutions like 1440p or 1080p.
Path tracing, a rendering technique that simulates the path of light rays, is known for its significant impact on performance. It aims to provide more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. However, the substantial hardware demands mean that experiencing this graphical enhancement will be exclusive to high-end systems.
For players aiming for less demanding settings, the requirements are considerably more accessible. Running the game on low graphics settings at 30 fps requires an Intel Core i5 8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor, paired with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660, AMD Radeon RX 550 XT 8GB, or Intel Arc A580 graphics card. Recommended settings for 1080p at 60 fps suggest an Intel Core i7 8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT.
Interestingly, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is not listed as a viable option for the top-tier path tracing mode. This omission is likely due to its comparative performance limitations in handling such demanding graphical features when stacked against current high-end Nvidia offerings.
The updated requirements also specify a VRAM requirement of 16GB for the path tracing preset, alongside 24GB of system RAM. For those with older systems, it's worth noting that a PC capable of running the original Witcher 3 at launch may not meet the minimum requirements for the remaster, especially on lower settings. Storage requirements for all presets remain at 60GB on an SSD.
Players who own the original The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can upgrade to the remastered Complete Edition for free. The Complete Edition is also currently available at a 50% discount for those who do not yet own the game. With a new expansion slated for release next year, this updated version may offer a compelling reason for players to revisit Geralt's adventures.